Newcastle United expected return dates: Yoane Wissa, Joelinton, Will Osula & others
When the likes of Yoane Wissa, Joelinton and Will Osula are expected to return for Newcastle United.
Newcastle United could welcome back as many as four players for Saturday’s Premier League clash at home to Manchester City.
While things are going well in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, the Magpies are struggling in the Premier League, with back-to-back away defeats to West Ham United and Brentford leaving them 14th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone.
Not only have recent results taken a hit, but the squad has too. Nick Pope and Joelinton were forced off through injury against Brentford, while Anthony Gordon and Will Osula missed the game altogether.
United have been without Yoane Wissa and Tino Livramento long-term but remain hopeful of welcoming a number of players back ahead of the busy festive schedule.
Nick Pope
Pope sustained a concussion that forced him off in the 77th minute against Brentford. Aaron Ramsdale replaced him.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
Howe said: “Yeah, Nick's trained. No problems with that.”
Expected return date
Manchester City (H), 22/11.
Joelinton
Joelinton took a painful blow to his lower leg against Brentford. He initially tried to play on before being replaced by Jacob Ramsey in the 34th minute.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
Howe said: “Joelinton’s been fine. He took a nasty whack on his leg. He's had to bandage that up, but he's trained.”
Expected return date
Manchester City (H), 22/11.
Yoane Wissa
Wissa joined Newcastle from Brentford on September 1 but is yet to make his debut after sustaining a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury on international duty with DR Congo.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
Howe said: “No, I haven't got a clear, defined return date for you. He's working well, so he's not back training with us yet, but he's close. He's working with a sports scientist.
“He's in that phase, sort of moves past his physios. He's now back with the sports science team and he's also almost entering a pre-season with them currently. He's doing a lot of work. He's looking good, looking better with every session.
“And as I say, he's close to training with us. But until he gets to there, it's very difficult to give you a date.”
Expected return date
Anthony Gordon
Gordon has been feeling some discomfort in his hip in recent weeks and while described as “minor” by Eddie Howe, it was enough to rule him out of the Brentford game and England duty.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
Howe said: “Anthony's very close. He's worked well during the break. He'll be touch and go for the game. We'll make a very late decision on him.”
Expected return date
Manchester City (H), 22/11.
Will Osula
An ongoing ankle injury has forced Osula to miss the last two matches against Athletic Club and Brentford.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
Howe said: “Will Osula, we haven't seen back in training yet, but again, I think injury hasn't been totally plain sailing. I think there have been a few days where he's felt really good and a few days then where he's felt a bit of pain.
“I think he might be going to see a specialist on Monday. Not necessarily on a negative, but just to get sort of full clearance that he's OK to continue as he is. So we won't see him back sort of in the next couple of games, I don't think.”
Expected return date
Burnley (H) 6/12.
Tino Livramento
Livramento has been missing for around two months after being stretchered off in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at St James’ Park.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
Howe said: “He's very close. He's trained this international break, which has been great to see. He's such an important player for us. Great to have him back. Training with the group, he's shown his qualities.
“He's been out a while and his injury was serious enough to make sure we treat him well. But I'd say he's done a lot of work. He's been very, very good professionally in terms of how he's dealt with the injury and the work that he's done with the physios. So I'd say he's in pretty good shape.
Expected return date
Manchester City (H), 22/11.